258 
be an advantage, but insufficient by themselves. ‘These may be dried 
between moderately absorbent paper which requires changing every few 
All indications of colour should be given wherever this is liable to be 
ted. 
are worth the trouble of collecting at all, they at least merit a little 
more care, and should come to hand in a condition that would ensure 
their recognition, . 
Fleshy fungi, when undergoing a long voyage are very liable to the 
incursions of insects, and especially of a marauding weevil. If sketches 
pan ji 
care should be exercised to secure the whole base of the stem (when 
present) since it is of great importance for accurate determination. _ 
M OOKE. 
Il. 
The group of fungi known as the Gasteromycetes includes the puff- 
balls, earthstars, stinkhorns, &c., and judging from the mutilated spe- 
cimens received from various parts of the world, contains numerous 
species of especial interest alike to the systematist and biologist. 
Mature specimens of all kinds should be allowed to remain exposed to 
l 
suspend them in a current of air. Most of the puffball family will bear 
this treatment, which is easy and successful; when dry, the specimens 
should not be pressed at all, but wrapped separately in paper and 
packed in boxes to prevent crushing. In cases where space cannot be 
afforded for unpressed specimens, the plants after being dried by ex- 
instances absolutely valueless, Many species are covered with spines 
or warts that fall away during drying, hence it is necessary for the col- 
lector to make a note of such characters as are not likely to be observed 
